What Sex Position Helps Conceive a Girl?

When it comes to conception, many couples are curious about ways to influence the baby’s gender. One common question that many couples ask when planning to conceive is, “What sex position helps conceive a girl?”

There's no scientific evidence that could explain the best way to get pregnant with a girl. However, some theories suggest that certain factors might increase the chances of having a baby of the desired gender.

The Science Behind Gender Selection

Many people believe that the female egg determines the sex of the baby. However, in reality, it is the male sperm cell that fertilizes the egg and determines the baby’s sex [1].

A baby will be a girl if the sex chromosomes are XX and a boy if the chromosomes are XY [2]. Female egg cells contain only X chromosomes. On the other hand, sperm cells can carry either X or Y chromosomes.

When a sperm carrying an X chromosome fertilizes the female egg, the result is a baby girl. However, when a sperm carrying a Y chromosome fertilizes the egg, it results in a baby boy.

Positions That May Help Conceive a Girl

The theories about sexual positions are based on the idea that X-carrying sperm, which produce a baby girl, are slower but live longer [3]. In contrast, Y-carrying sperm, which produce a baby boy, are faster but die sooner. Deep penetration may help the faster Y sperm reach the egg quickly, while shallow penetration could increase the chances of a slower but longer-living X sperm.

Based on this theory, the following positions may favor conceiving a girl:

1. Missionary Position

This is one of the most commonly recommended positions when couples want to conceive a baby girl. In missionary, the woman lies on her back with the man on top. The position allows for shallow penetration, which may give the slower but longer-living X-chromosome-carrying sperm a better chance of reaching the egg.

2. Woman on Top

In this position, the woman is on top, which results in a more shallow penetration and release of sperm close to the cervix. People believe that this position reduces the chances of Y-chromosome sperm reaching the egg quickly, possibly increasing the likelihood of conceiving a girl.

3. Avoid Deep Penetration

Deep penetration, which happens in positions like doggy style, is thought to favor the faster Y-chromosome sperm. So, if you plan to conceive a baby girl, try to avoid such positions during intercourse.

Other Factors in Gender Selection

In addition to position, other factors like timing and pH levels of the female reproductive tract are also believed to play a role in gender selection [4]. For example, planning intercourse fewer days before ovulation may favor the Y-carrying sperm, while further away may favor long-living X-carrying sperm. However, it's important to remember that these are theories and not scientifically proven methods.

Using a product like Conceive Plus Fertility Lubricant, which is designed to support sperm mobility and viability, can also complement your conception efforts. On the other hand, if you’re curious about how to increase chances of having a boy, there are also dietary and timing strategies that some believe may help.

The Bottom Line

Many couples plan conception with the hope of having a baby of their desired gender. Couples most often ask questions like, what sex position helps conceive a girl, or what is the best way to get pregnant with a girl?

There is no scientific study that proves any specific position to be favorable for conceiving a baby girl or boy. However, some people believe in theories suggesting that deep penetration favors sperm with a Y chromosome for a boy, while shallow penetration favors sperm with an X chromosome for a girl. Remember, the most important thing is not the baby’s gender but focusing on health, love, and patience as you try to conceive.

Resources Used

1. The Shettles Method of Sex Selection | Embryo Project Encyclopedia. (2019, April 3). https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/shettles-method-sex-selection 
2. Gilbert, S. F. (2000). Chromosomal sex determination in mammals. Developmental Biology - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9967/ 
3. You, Y., Kwon, W., Saidur Rahman, M., Park, Y., Kim, Y., & Pang, M. (2017). Sex chromosome-dependent differential viability of human spermatozoa during prolonged incubation. Human Reproduction, 32(6), 1183-1191. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dex080 
4. Raval, N. P., Shah, T. M., George, L., & Joshi, C. G. (2019). Effect of the pH in the enrichment of X or Y sex chromosome-bearing sperm in bovine. Veterinary World, 12(8), 1299–1303. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2019.1299-1303